As the 1969 song from the music group Chicago asks, do you really know what time it is when it comes to clocks embedded in your medical equipment? We’ve had some recent surveys where we are finding medical equipment, predominantly defibrillators, that have built-in clocks with incorrect times. Most of these errors are based on the semi-annual daylight savings time shifts. Some organizations have missed changing these internal clocks, which can lead to incorrect time stamps when the devices are used. For example, with defibrillators, the rhythm strip that is generated during a cardiac arrest would have the incorrect time listed if the internal clock has not been adjusted per the Instruction for Use (IFU). These rhythm strips are part of the legal medical record and must have the correct dates/times. While this may seem trivial at first, keep in mind these wrong times would appear in your official medical record and could have a detrimental effect on your ability to defend the care, treatment and services provided if it was challenged.
Common Medical Equipment Affected by Time Errors
Have you assessed other medical equipment and devices for internal clocks? Radiology equipment, intravenous fluid pumps, and the like may have internal clocks. Ensure that your staff are aware of any date/time devices on view screens and that they are set correctly. Review your equipment IFUs and ensure that your equipment maintenance plan addresses adjustment of the clocks for daylight savings time shifts unless they are automatically changed.
Assess the clocks in your work spaces for time adjustments. Are they set automatically through a wireless network, or do they require manual adjustment? Who maintains battery-powered clocks? Do your staff use clocks on the wall in the nurse's station or the OR to determine when to provide medications or chart a patient observation? Are they displaying the correct time?
Do you really know what time it is?
Please contact us for questions or more information at 704-573-4535 or info@courtemanche-assocs.com.
Courtemanche & Associates specializes in Healthcare Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance Consulting Services. With over 30 years of being in business and 100+ years of healthcare experience amongst our consulting team, we are ready to assist with your accreditation and regulatory compliance needs.
